Margarita (Margo) de Quesada passed away peacefully at her home on April 28, 2026. She had a long and well-lived life filled with laughter and beauty.
A child prodigy, Margarita began playing piano at the age of 4 under the tutelage of her grandmother, a former concert pianist from Barcelona, Spain. At the age of 9, she began to study classical guitar, the instrument that would later define her musical career. Margarita graduated from Conservatorio de Musica Rafols with a major in voice. She performed opera from a young age as well as being active in musical theater.
Margarita and her husband Armando fled the communist government in Cuba and made a daring escape to Canada in November 1963. In 1964 they settled in Decatur, where they had friends, and quickly became active members of the community and of St. Ann Church. They both became proud American citizens.
Margarita taught for 39 years at Calhoun Community College and founded the Calhoun Guitar Ensemble, which performed widely. She also taught at various fine arts schools. She had great love for her students and mentored promising guitarists. She remained active in music for decades and befriended other musicians including Anthony Glise, who acknowledged Margarita in the foreword to his textbook. Margarita was active in music at Annunciation Church for a number of years.
Known for her warmth and kindness, Margarita had a great love of life. Besides her passion for music, she loved animals and nature. Her children knew stray animals brought home would never be turned away.
Margarita is preceded in death by her husband Armando and her son, also Armando. She is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two siblings.
Visitation is at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Annunciation of the Lord Church, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m.
Shelton Funeral Home had the Honor of assisting the family.
